I'm getting really impatient with the challenge. I wish it was August 1st already and we were into this and making things happen. I want to start learning now and get ahead of the rest.
So since I've been having patience problems I've been looking around for other sources of information. I've read a couple of ebooks from here and there and I keep seeing the same sort of information and ideas on what to do. So I will be interested to see how different the content of the challenge is from these ebooks.
I have taken a few steps this week to put a couple of things in place for the future. Nothing stupendously involved and I won't bore you with the details, but I'd really like to be on my way now. I could always look to get a blog going, trying to do the things from the books I've read and then using the TDC content to really push it harder and faster than before.
I could always do with a little more patience...
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Google Reader and FriendFeed are only a small part of the equation
I've been across Google Reader for maybe 18 months, so this week's lessons aren't anything new to me. I remember when I first started using it, I bounded into work (a marketing company) gushing at my co-workers about how awesome it was. I barely raised a yawn, yes, even from my manager. Duffers.
When Ed dropped the bomb, I was both surprised and disappointed that I actually knew the secret. I have a FriendFeed account and I noticed how shared items were fed into my feed straight away! Some times it just feels like I've been on the internet for far too long! I want a huge deal with a fanfare and ticker-tape!
The real challenge for me isn't the technology - that's piss easy. The real challenge comes down to networking and building relationships with people. I'm not the kind of person to haphazardly add millions of people to my vital social media accounts - I prefer to build up some kind of relationship. We'll see if that is to my detriment... I think for short term hits and giggles, a huge and random network will work fine; however for long term goodwill, trust and brand strength it will be a little dangerous.
If you're not already signed up, please do come check out the Thirty Day Challenge and explore this issue with me!
When Ed dropped the bomb, I was both surprised and disappointed that I actually knew the secret. I have a FriendFeed account and I noticed how shared items were fed into my feed straight away! Some times it just feels like I've been on the internet for far too long! I want a huge deal with a fanfare and ticker-tape!
The real challenge for me isn't the technology - that's piss easy. The real challenge comes down to networking and building relationships with people. I'm not the kind of person to haphazardly add millions of people to my vital social media accounts - I prefer to build up some kind of relationship. We'll see if that is to my detriment... I think for short term hits and giggles, a huge and random network will work fine; however for long term goodwill, trust and brand strength it will be a little dangerous.
If you're not already signed up, please do come check out the Thirty Day Challenge and explore this issue with me!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Team for the TDC
I've been spending the last few days or so just trolling around the TDC website and forums. The forum looks like a good resource with people sharing bits and pieces that they pick up along the way.
Unfortunately finding team members to join us on this journey has proven difficult so far. Not one person has shown any interest, and I think it's because we are both newbies to the challenge. There seems to be a view that you need someone experienced on the team - or perhaps it's more to do with perception of what they feel is important.
I'm not phased. In fact it makes me more determined to succeed and make that $10 in the first thirty days. Show the doubters that newbies can make it with hard work and perseverance. However if you want to join us on the quest, join the challenge and lets work together. Drop a comment here if you are interested.
And if that isn't you, that's ok. You'll just have to watch out for us as we work doubly hard to make the most of this great oppourtunity.
Unfortunately finding team members to join us on this journey has proven difficult so far. Not one person has shown any interest, and I think it's because we are both newbies to the challenge. There seems to be a view that you need someone experienced on the team - or perhaps it's more to do with perception of what they feel is important.
I'm not phased. In fact it makes me more determined to succeed and make that $10 in the first thirty days. Show the doubters that newbies can make it with hard work and perseverance. However if you want to join us on the quest, join the challenge and lets work together. Drop a comment here if you are interested.
And if that isn't you, that's ok. You'll just have to watch out for us as we work doubly hard to make the most of this great oppourtunity.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Thoughts on what the TDC will bring to me
I've been thinking over the last day or so on what I hope the Thirty Day Challenge will bring to me. I'm not sure exactly what to expect yet, but I am looking forward to finding out more about the challenge as it moves along.
One thing I'm hoping to achieve is some knowledge of internet marketing. In the long term I hope to have businesses generating money for me with very little input required - automation as Tim Ferris would call it. I can have virtual assistants covering tasks for me while I enjoy the fruits of my smart work.
I expect that to get there will take time, effort, a little risk and some smarts. I can't come into this being cocky and expecting success. Success will take time and to get to the point of not having to work a regular job will be tough enough. To them take the next step and move away from the day to day running of my business(es) is something I have to think of as long term.
I'm not suggesting for a second that I'd never have to do a moment's work in my life. I just want to choose what I do, when I do it and do it because I want to, not because I have to do it to cover the mortgage repayment.
The Thirty Day Challenge is a step on that road to financial independence. To make $10 a week is my initial goal outside of the challenge. Then $10 a day.
It's important to know where you want to be, so you can plan on how to get there. I'm in this for the long haul and expect it will take time. I also have all the time in the world and nothing to lose.
One thing I'm hoping to achieve is some knowledge of internet marketing. In the long term I hope to have businesses generating money for me with very little input required - automation as Tim Ferris would call it. I can have virtual assistants covering tasks for me while I enjoy the fruits of my smart work.
I expect that to get there will take time, effort, a little risk and some smarts. I can't come into this being cocky and expecting success. Success will take time and to get to the point of not having to work a regular job will be tough enough. To them take the next step and move away from the day to day running of my business(es) is something I have to think of as long term.
I'm not suggesting for a second that I'd never have to do a moment's work in my life. I just want to choose what I do, when I do it and do it because I want to, not because I have to do it to cover the mortgage repayment.
The Thirty Day Challenge is a step on that road to financial independence. To make $10 a week is my initial goal outside of the challenge. Then $10 a day.
It's important to know where you want to be, so you can plan on how to get there. I'm in this for the long haul and expect it will take time. I also have all the time in the world and nothing to lose.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Sunday, June 15, 2008
TDC Toolbar - What's in it for them?
Previously on this blog we've discussed that some people on the net feel that the Thirty Day Challenge is a scam. This concerned both Natalie and I so we've taken the view that if anything looks even slightly scamish, it needs to be investigated.
One of the videos from pre-season lesson three is all about installing extensions for the browser of choice, Flock. Nothing wrong with any of these to be honest although it's possible that some of the extensions provide information back to the extension's author. That doesn't really help the TDC team any, so that's not scamish at all.
The last toolbar installed is the TDC Toolbar. This contains a search widget plus links to tools, information on the TDC site and some other features which aren't apparent just yet - although I'm sure it will all be explained throughout the actual challenge.
Ed goes to mention in the video that the TDC team receive "about $1.65 a day". WARNING WARNING WARNING. DANGER WILL ROBINSON! SCAM ALERT.
Oh wait! Ed goes on... "So if that offends you, feel free not to install it." Ah. That's better.
My personal view on this is that the toolbar's value is worth more to me than the idealism that they shouldn't get the $1.65 per day. In any case, if they make $1.65 a day off me and it costs me nothing and it allows them to bring me this information for free, then I have no complaints.
So far, I'm not concerned about the Thirty Day Challenge being a massive scam, and still suggest you come and join the fun.
Disclaimer: I've done my best to quote Ed from the video above. If there should be a correction please let me know.
One of the videos from pre-season lesson three is all about installing extensions for the browser of choice, Flock. Nothing wrong with any of these to be honest although it's possible that some of the extensions provide information back to the extension's author. That doesn't really help the TDC team any, so that's not scamish at all.
The last toolbar installed is the TDC Toolbar. This contains a search widget plus links to tools, information on the TDC site and some other features which aren't apparent just yet - although I'm sure it will all be explained throughout the actual challenge.
Ed goes to mention in the video that the TDC team receive "about $1.65 a day". WARNING WARNING WARNING. DANGER WILL ROBINSON! SCAM ALERT.
Oh wait! Ed goes on... "So if that offends you, feel free not to install it." Ah. That's better.
My personal view on this is that the toolbar's value is worth more to me than the idealism that they shouldn't get the $1.65 per day. In any case, if they make $1.65 a day off me and it costs me nothing and it allows them to bring me this information for free, then I have no complaints.
So far, I'm not concerned about the Thirty Day Challenge being a massive scam, and still suggest you come and join the fun.
Disclaimer: I've done my best to quote Ed from the video above. If there should be a correction please let me know.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Adding 30DC friends to Facebook
Since signing up to the Thirty Day Challenge, I've added a whole heap of 30DC participants to my Facebook profile as friends. Usually, I am pretty strict about who I add to Facebook, as I use it as a tool to keep up with my friends, family and work contacts, however I've since found a way to keep my IRL mates and 30DC mates separate to protect my privacy.
If you're concerned about your privacy and have been scratching your head trying to figure out how to protect yourself, follow these steps before you add any 30DC buddies. If you've already added people, that's ok, you can go back and change your settings!
Setting up your Friends list:
1. Click on the Friends tab at the top of the page.
2. Click on the "Make a new list" button which is located to the right of the main list of friends.
3. Type in the label you want to give to your 30DC mates.
4. Voila! Now you can start adding your 30DC friends to this list.
Changing your privacy settings
1. Head up to the top navigation bar and click on "privacy" on the right hand side.
2. Click on the first option "Profile". You can also fine tune your privacy settings for Search, News Feed and Mini Feed and Applications on this screen.
3. In this section you can control exactly who can or can not see pretty much every section of your profile. Here I'm changing my privacy settings on my Personal Info by clicking on the drop down menu and selecting "Customize".
4. This screen pops up and in the section "Except these people" you need to type the name of the friends list that you've given to your 30DC mates.
5. You can continue to edit the privacy settings of all the other sections exactly the same way.
Adding a 30DC friend to your 30DC list:
1. When you are approving your new friend, make sure you know them from the 30DC forums. If you aren't sure, it's always best not to add them straight away - send a message or email to confirm.
If you can confirm that your request is a-ok, click on "Add to a Friend List".
2. Select your 30DC friend list from the drop down menu and voila!
Adding an existing friend to your 30DC list
1. Head up to Friends on the navigation bar again.
2. Scroll down the list and find your friend. Click on the Toggle button that is highlighted above.
3. You'll notice that there's a downward pointing arrowhead beside "View Friends". Click it!
4. You'll be able to add your friend to the 30DC list from that drop down menu.
All done!!
If you're concerned about your privacy and have been scratching your head trying to figure out how to protect yourself, follow these steps before you add any 30DC buddies. If you've already added people, that's ok, you can go back and change your settings!
Setting up your Friends list:
1. Click on the Friends tab at the top of the page.
2. Click on the "Make a new list" button which is located to the right of the main list of friends.
3. Type in the label you want to give to your 30DC mates.
4. Voila! Now you can start adding your 30DC friends to this list.
Changing your privacy settings
1. Head up to the top navigation bar and click on "privacy" on the right hand side.
2. Click on the first option "Profile". You can also fine tune your privacy settings for Search, News Feed and Mini Feed and Applications on this screen.
3. In this section you can control exactly who can or can not see pretty much every section of your profile. Here I'm changing my privacy settings on my Personal Info by clicking on the drop down menu and selecting "Customize".
4. This screen pops up and in the section "Except these people" you need to type the name of the friends list that you've given to your 30DC mates.
5. You can continue to edit the privacy settings of all the other sections exactly the same way.
Adding a 30DC friend to your 30DC list:
1. When you are approving your new friend, make sure you know them from the 30DC forums. If you aren't sure, it's always best not to add them straight away - send a message or email to confirm.
If you can confirm that your request is a-ok, click on "Add to a Friend List".
2. Select your 30DC friend list from the drop down menu and voila!
Adding an existing friend to your 30DC list
1. Head up to Friends on the navigation bar again.
2. Scroll down the list and find your friend. Click on the Toggle button that is highlighted above.
3. You'll notice that there's a downward pointing arrowhead beside "View Friends". Click it!
4. You'll be able to add your friend to the 30DC list from that drop down menu.
All done!!
But is the Thirty Day Challenge a scam?
I have been promoting the Thirty Day Challenge on facebook, Red Bubble, Plurk and Twitter and in a few conversations with people they've expressed that they think the 30DC is a scam. I don't really like to be seen as the kind of person who falls for scams on the internet or otherwise, and this is partially the reason behind setting up this blog, so I can blog all the issues that come up - good and bad.
From my research (read: googling) about the Challenge and the guys behind it, I haven't been able to turn up much. All the people I've spoken to who've done it in previous years have said they got a lot out of it, and they're returning this year because they feel they will learn even more. That's a pretty good endorsement if you ask me.
The link between the Thirty Day Challenge and the Immediate Edge is pretty blatant and it isn't hidden, which I appreciate. However, people I've spoken to who are dubious about the Challenge, say that it is a funnel for the Immediate Edge programme. The programme, also run by Dan Raine and Ed Dale, costs $97 a month and promises to teach the most bleeding edge internet marketing strategies. Ed and Dan are pretty forthright (with great humour) about having no guarantees, and encourage people who dislike the Immediate Edge to get the hell out whenever they want.
Another point was that the sites Ed Dale is behind aren't fantastically designed. Examples like Dominiche and the Immediate Edge lead me to take the same point of view.
As a graphic designer, I can't say that I distrust poorly designed websites - I merely think that they might be the kind of business who doesn't think they need great design to sell, which is a huge shame. One of my biggest indicators for distrusting a website is copy that screams at me: "PAY NOW FOR CONTENT THAT YOU CAN FIND FOR FREE OR YOU WILL DIEEE!!" I don't often buy things on the internet, so I'm pretty sure that I'm never going to feather Ed and Dan's pockets for the Immediate Edge, but you can be damn sure I'm going to investigate the 30DC as long as it is completely free.
I should also mention that in internet marketing circles, there's a move towards "anti-design" because apparently people get suspicious of really schmick looking websites. I've seen some pearlers in my time! As to whether or not they work? Well, none of them have ever convinced me to convert a sale.
Anyway, I'm going to keep track of the negative and positive feedback for the Thirty Day Challenge and elaborate on it here in this blog. The moment I am asked to pull out my credit card, or submit information that I'm not comfortable submitting, I will blog about it. I think transparency is very important, and up to this moment in the pre-season training Ed has been incredibly transparent.
If you've got any questions or feedback for the Challenge, please write us a comment and we'll investigate it for you!
From my research (read: googling) about the Challenge and the guys behind it, I haven't been able to turn up much. All the people I've spoken to who've done it in previous years have said they got a lot out of it, and they're returning this year because they feel they will learn even more. That's a pretty good endorsement if you ask me.
The link between the Thirty Day Challenge and the Immediate Edge is pretty blatant and it isn't hidden, which I appreciate. However, people I've spoken to who are dubious about the Challenge, say that it is a funnel for the Immediate Edge programme. The programme, also run by Dan Raine and Ed Dale, costs $97 a month and promises to teach the most bleeding edge internet marketing strategies. Ed and Dan are pretty forthright (with great humour) about having no guarantees, and encourage people who dislike the Immediate Edge to get the hell out whenever they want.
Another point was that the sites Ed Dale is behind aren't fantastically designed. Examples like Dominiche and the Immediate Edge lead me to take the same point of view.
As a graphic designer, I can't say that I distrust poorly designed websites - I merely think that they might be the kind of business who doesn't think they need great design to sell, which is a huge shame. One of my biggest indicators for distrusting a website is copy that screams at me: "PAY NOW FOR CONTENT THAT YOU CAN FIND FOR FREE OR YOU WILL DIEEE!!" I don't often buy things on the internet, so I'm pretty sure that I'm never going to feather Ed and Dan's pockets for the Immediate Edge, but you can be damn sure I'm going to investigate the 30DC as long as it is completely free.
I should also mention that in internet marketing circles, there's a move towards "anti-design" because apparently people get suspicious of really schmick looking websites. I've seen some pearlers in my time! As to whether or not they work? Well, none of them have ever convinced me to convert a sale.
Anyway, I'm going to keep track of the negative and positive feedback for the Thirty Day Challenge and elaborate on it here in this blog. The moment I am asked to pull out my credit card, or submit information that I'm not comfortable submitting, I will blog about it. I think transparency is very important, and up to this moment in the pre-season training Ed has been incredibly transparent.
If you've got any questions or feedback for the Challenge, please write us a comment and we'll investigate it for you!
So, just who is Nick?
Hi! I'm Nicholas, or Nick to most people. I'm not real picky about it. I'm sure if you've read this blog so far that you're aware that I'm taking part in this year's Thirty Day Challenge. Natalie has taken the lead so it is now my turn to tell you a bit about myself and what I hope to achieve through the challenge.
About the man
I'm a twenty-something married man from Brisbane, Australia. I tend to be a bit geeky but work in finance within the public sector. It's certainly not where I had seen myself heading ten years ago, as since I was a wee little boy I was always into computers and thought that would be the natural progression. So how did I get to where I am today? I've basically fallen into one job after another. I've liked them, but they aren't a passion. I like my jobs but I've never loved them.
Outside of my career I have a few interests. One love is music and singing, neither of wish I take the time to enjoy as much as I should. I enjoy programming all kinds of things and tinkering with the internals of computer software and hardware. The one major goal I have for myself is to become a pilot, which I figure will take me a few more years yet. However I will get there in time.
Why the challenge?
There are plenty of other things I could be doing with my time instead of taking on the Thirty Day Challenge. So why am I even attempting this?
Where to from here
So the next steps are to take part in the preseason. Only one and a half months until the challenge starts so between now and then it's important to bed down the tools to be used. Over the next week I'll bring you more insights from preseason 2008 and hopefully you'll join in the challenge too if you already haven't.
Until next time,
Nick
About the man
I'm a twenty-something married man from Brisbane, Australia. I tend to be a bit geeky but work in finance within the public sector. It's certainly not where I had seen myself heading ten years ago, as since I was a wee little boy I was always into computers and thought that would be the natural progression. So how did I get to where I am today? I've basically fallen into one job after another. I've liked them, but they aren't a passion. I like my jobs but I've never loved them.
Outside of my career I have a few interests. One love is music and singing, neither of wish I take the time to enjoy as much as I should. I enjoy programming all kinds of things and tinkering with the internals of computer software and hardware. The one major goal I have for myself is to become a pilot, which I figure will take me a few more years yet. However I will get there in time.
Why the challenge?
There are plenty of other things I could be doing with my time instead of taking on the Thirty Day Challenge. So why am I even attempting this?
- The idea of having passive income, that is income where I don't have to physically work day in day out, a dream I've had for a long time now.
- The possiblities available to all of us on the internet are infinite. To learn some tools and techniques to harness this power is valuable for both right now and the future.
- The fact that someone is willing to offer training in internet marketing for free is very appealing, to be honest.
- If I can make this happen, I can make anything happen.
Where to from here
So the next steps are to take part in the preseason. Only one and a half months until the challenge starts so between now and then it's important to bed down the tools to be used. Over the next week I'll bring you more insights from preseason 2008 and hopefully you'll join in the challenge too if you already haven't.
Until next time,
Nick
Itsa me, Natalie!
Helloooo dearies! I'm Natalie, I'm married to Nick and we live in Brisbane, Australia. I'm a graphic artist who has worked for the last five years in marketing, so by nature I'm very curious about all this internet marketing business. I have been using the internet since 1995 when I was at high school, so I'm pretty savvy!
At the end of last year I quit my job where I was an in-house designer for a marketing company. I felt like I wasn't living my life being honest with myself, and my health had suffered greatly through stress and by sustaining a wrist injury. The RSI I sustained still affects me and it is something I guess I'll have to battle in the long-term because all the tools I use contribute towards it. This year I have tried to work without so much stress as a freelance graphic artist, but as many freelancers will probably tell you - it isn't easy.
Where you can find me:
- My main blog is definatalie.com where I blog about art and design, and living a creative life in general.
- I sell prints of my illustrations on Red Bubble, a really cool print on demand website with a vibrant community of artists.
- I talk about my work, images and inspiration on my tumblr blog.
- You can follow my tweets on Twitter.
- Or, you can plurk with me.
- This is my ffffound page - and sorry, I don't have any invites!
What I seek to learn:
I hope to learn a bit about how to market myself as an artist through the Thirty Day Challenge. Ideally, I'd love to do this without resorting to link or tweet-spamming people because I feel that it breeds resentment - certainly, I hate it when people spam me over and over on social media sites!
I think it's really important to find something you love - your passion I guess - and live a fulfilled life. Earlier this year I said that I wanted to be a fulfillionaire - not a millionaire. I hope 2008 is the year I start being able to live a life where I can earn money from being a creative person. From the moment I started telling my parents I wanted to be an artist, I was told that it was almost impossible to make a living from it. I went to uni and studied art and teaching, because at least then I'd have a back up - but I absolutely resented it, and decided to be a graphic designer! People still tell me it is almost impossible to be a creative person who derives most of their income from being creative, but I at least want to give it a damn decent try.
I hope Nick and Becki write their intro posts up soon, because otherwise I feel like I'm filling up this blog with stuff about me!
It's a walk off!
So, I thought it might be helpful to other people, and ourselves, to blog about how we make our way through the Thirty Day Challenge.
For those who haven't heard about the ThirtyDay Challenge, basically it's a bit of a crash course in internet marketing. During the 30 days, the objective is to earn your first $10 online without putting your hand in your pocket. Currently, participants are undergoing "pre-season" training which is a series of videos and blog posts that help you download and learn about all the applications that will help you market yourself, or your business, online during the 30DC.
Nick, Becki and I are going to work as a team, and apparently that's a really good way to do the challenge because you have a bunch of people to motivate you and use as support. Ed Dale suggested that the ideal team would consist of four people, and I've invited a few other friends to check out the challenge so if one of them doesn't take our fourth spot, I guess we'll be looking to fill it! In the next few days we'll all post entries introducing ourselves and what we hope to gain from the 30DC.
As a disclaimer, when any of us posts links to the Thirty Day Challenge, you'll notice that we might link to the website with our own unique referral links. It's nothing sinister, just a way to track how many people we can each refer. If you object to this, and want to sign up to the 30DC under your own steam, please feel free not to use our referring links. They're just a bit of fun, and yep, apparently there are prizes involved to see who can sign up the most people.
In coming posts, I'm going to write about the positive and negative feedback I've had in regards to the Challenge. I hope you follow us, even if you're not involved in the 30DC, so you can see if we succeed or fail dismally in our own Thirty Day Challenges.
For those who haven't heard about the ThirtyDay Challenge, basically it's a bit of a crash course in internet marketing. During the 30 days, the objective is to earn your first $10 online without putting your hand in your pocket. Currently, participants are undergoing "pre-season" training which is a series of videos and blog posts that help you download and learn about all the applications that will help you market yourself, or your business, online during the 30DC.
Nick, Becki and I are going to work as a team, and apparently that's a really good way to do the challenge because you have a bunch of people to motivate you and use as support. Ed Dale suggested that the ideal team would consist of four people, and I've invited a few other friends to check out the challenge so if one of them doesn't take our fourth spot, I guess we'll be looking to fill it! In the next few days we'll all post entries introducing ourselves and what we hope to gain from the 30DC.
As a disclaimer, when any of us posts links to the Thirty Day Challenge, you'll notice that we might link to the website with our own unique referral links. It's nothing sinister, just a way to track how many people we can each refer. If you object to this, and want to sign up to the 30DC under your own steam, please feel free not to use our referring links. They're just a bit of fun, and yep, apparently there are prizes involved to see who can sign up the most people.
In coming posts, I'm going to write about the positive and negative feedback I've had in regards to the Challenge. I hope you follow us, even if you're not involved in the 30DC, so you can see if we succeed or fail dismally in our own Thirty Day Challenges.
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